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PRSD Receives Pre-Planning Funding for Value Scoping for school solutions in Fairview and Peace River

The Peace River School Division is excited to announce that we have received approval from Alberta Education for pre-planning funds for value scoping and scope development exercises, including stakeholder consultations, for both the communities of Fairview and Peace River. These important public consultations will assist the PRSD in determining the scope of future capital project requests in both communities.

About PRSD Schools in Fairview

Currently PRSD operates two schools within the town of Fairview. E.E. Oliver Elementary
School (K-6), Fairview Jr./Sr. High School (7-12).

The last modernization of Fairview High School was completed in 1983. Some building components have been upgraded using IMR and CMR funding but there remain many parts of the facility that require upgrades to meet current and future educational needs as well as to update building components to meet current building codes. In the Fall of 2023, the Peace River School Division did complete a value scoping session for Fairview alongside the Grande Prairie and District Catholic Division (GPCSD) and Northwestern Polytechnic to explore educational opportunities that would be of benefit to the community and the entire region. While that session was a positive experience, GPCSD soon after found themselves in a position where they needed more immediate solutions to a significant infrastructure need. As a result, GPCSD transferred ownership of their school in Fairview to the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, and all previous joint-planning agreements were voided.

The Peace River School Division remains committed to finding a solution for our students in
Fairview. The Division has an existing positive relationship with Northwestern Polytechnic and
there is a willingness to continue to explore mutually beneficial educational opportunities for
students in Fairview. 

About PRSD Schools in Peace River

Currently PRSD is operating four schools within the town of Peace River. Springfield Elementary
School (K-4), T. A. Norris Middle School (5-8), Peace River High School (9-12) and Peace River
Outreach School.

T.A. Norris school was originally constructed as a Junior High School and was changed to a middle school at the start of the 2006-2007 school year following the closure of McGrath School and the modernizations of Springfield Elementary and Peace River High School.  While the school underwent a grade reconfiguration, the building has not been modernized since 1990.

In order to determine how best to deliver world-class educational opportunities in Peace River, a Value Scoping Session will explore the best options for grade configuration, educational programs, community needs, and possible partnerships that might be formed. The Value Scoping will also provide an opportunity for the Community to have input into the future of education programs for the town of Peace River.

Stay tuned for more details regarding dates and plans for these important value scoping sessions.

Mar 14, 2025 Announcement

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